FREE INSURANCE QUOTES
Health Insurance - Home Insurance - Life Insurance - Auto Insurance - Long Term Care



Get An Insurance Quote Now

It's FAST, EASY and best of all it's FREE!


Start Walking for Health

By RoseMarie Alfieri and Andrew Flach

Aug 11, 2003, 2:51pm


Walking is the most popular exercise of choice among Americans. Because it doesn't require a lot of gear, and can be done virtually anywhere and anytime, it's also the most convenient way to carve physical activity into your daily life. You can walk in the morning or the evening, around you neighborhood or the mall, with friends, your dog, or just yourself.

There are many wonderful reasons to walk alone. You can listen to your favorite songs, meditate, take in the sights and sounds of nature, and really focus on your breathing and the intensity of your workout. Many people, however, prefer to walk with someone else, or to walk as part of a group. If you think you are one of those people, a walking club may be right for you.

Walking with a group of people can make you forget that you are exercising. In fact, many studies have shown that people tend to stick to an exercise routine if they work out with a friend. As you talk to your fellow walkers you will find that the time just flies by and, before you know it, you've reached the end of your route. Your walk will feel as much a social outing as an exercise session.

In addition to preventing boredom, walking with others can increase motivation. If you know that your fellow walkers are counting on you to be there, you will be more apt to walk--even on those low-energy days when you might otherwise blow off your walk if you were walking alone. Club members can challenge each other to walk a little faster, or a little farther, and encourage each other along the way. A club also provides an instant reward system. You can give each other awards for distance achieved or create special tee-shirts with your club's name and logo.

A walking club can be as informal as getting a couple of friends together on a regular basis. Each member can take turns plotting the route for the day, varying the intensity in order to keep the walks interesting. An informal club comprised of friends with similar fitness goals is also a great way to keep in touch with your friends--if you are like many busy people, carving out social time can be difficult. With your walking club you not only see and talk to your friends, you get your workout at the same time.

Another option is to join a formal walking club in your area. You can inquire at health clubs, local papers, local recreation centers, walking magazines, and sports stores for local walking clubs. If your area does not already have a walking club, you may want to start one of your own.

You can advertise for members by placing flyers up at local sports stores, schools, churches, community centers, malls, and health clubs. You can also run an ad in your local paper. Word of mouth also works well for this type of club.

Whether you decide to join an informal or formal walking club, the camaraderie and energy you receive from participating in a common activity with a group of people is a great source of motivation. For more information, visit www.walktheweightaway.com.

About the Authors

RoseMarie Alfieri is certified by the American Council on Exercise (ACE) and holds a Master of Arts degree in Health Education. She has written for scores of magazines and is co-author of Combat Fat!

Andrew Flach is certified by the American Council on Exercise (ACE). An expert on weight management and exercise, his work has been featured on National Public Radio and in hundreds of newspapers across the country. He is the co-author of Combat Fat! and other popular titles on diet and exercise.

© Copyright by GetFitNow.com




We now offer...... Free Long Term Care Quotes!

Home / Links / Link Exchange / Articles / Site Map / Contact Us


Link Partners:
 takeonlinesurveys.com / sexierbreasts.com / all-natural-products.net / intimatepersonalshavers.com / breastenlargementforwomen.com / takepaidonlinesurveys.com / joinfreeaffiliateprograms.com / natural-pet-supplies.com / health-life-insurance-leads.com